Worldwide Women’s Association Recognizes Jennifer E. Boyd

Jennifer E. Boyd Expands Executive Leadership Role at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Advancing People-Centered Culture and Operational Excellence

The Lyric Opera of Chicago proudly announces the expanded executive leadership role of Jennifer Elaine Boyd, a seasoned Human Resources leader with more than 20 years of experience guiding people, culture, and organizational strategy across large-scale nonprofit institutions. In July 2025, Boyd was promoted to further expand her executive responsibilities, broadening her portfolio beyond People and Culture to include oversight of Front-of-House Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, and Security. This expansion significantly increased her scope of influence and direct supervision to more than 70 employees.

As Vice President of People and Culture, Boyd provides executive oversight of HR strategy, employee experience, talent development, and inclusion initiatives for a workforce of more than 1,000 employees across union and non-union roles, making Lyric Opera of Chicago one of the nation’s largest cultural arts nonprofits.  Within this complex organizational environment, Boyd’s people-centered leadership plays a critical role in aligning people, purpose, and performance. She is widely recognized for her ability to navigate multifaceted institutional structures and design thoughtful, values-driven solutions that strengthen workplace culture while delivering measurable organizational results.

Among her signature contributions, Boyd is the architect of Life at Lyric, a comprehensive employee experience framework, and the founder of Community Resource Networks, which foster connection, inclusion, and engagement across departments. A trusted advisor to senior leadership and Board committees, she brings deep expertise in equity-focused leadership and organizational strategy, ensuring that people, purpose, and performance remain aligned at every level of the institution.

Boyd holds an MBA in Human Resources Management and a BBA in Management from Roosevelt University, with additional international business studies at Regent’s College London and European Business School. Her leadership has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business, naming her one of the 2020 Notable Leaders in HR, and she is an active member of the NAACP Chicago Far-South Suburban Branch.

With her expanded responsibilities, Jennifer E. Boyd continues to shape a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, operational excellence, and shared purpose — strengthening the Lyric Opera of Chicago from the inside out while helping position arts organizations for long-term sustainability and impact and setting a powerful example of people-first leadership in the arts and nonprofit sector.